i thank mr. bilirakis. we have worked together on a number of legislative initiatives and i thank him as wls for his service, along with -- as well as his servicers along with chairman king and our democratic ranking member, mr. thompson, for their leadership. it gives me great comfort to be able to come on the floor today and say thank you. even though no one wants to see a homeless hero, a homeless veteran, i spent over the holidays time visiting a number of our centers where homeless veterans are and i can tell you that they are the most giving and charitable persons. many of us will be able to rount on thanksgiving day or depurg -- recount on thanksgiving holiday or during the christmas holiday to be able to serve veterans who unfortunately, not of their own doing, have fallen upon hard times, do not have a place to live and are coming to the various food pantries and food kitchens. it is one of great pleasure to me, not for their condition, but to be able to humbly provide them with a warm meal. this i